Saturday 23 January 2010

Blaise on a Wet Day.

Photos copyright: Maggie May

When I was just about getting over the worst effects of chemo 2, a very kind person from Church, who I have known for a very long time, asked me if I would like to go to Blaise for a walk at the end of the week. I had previously told J that this was the type of thing that I missed most...... being able to get out of the house for a walk in a lovely environment, like I used to do on my own in the days before cancer treatment.
At the time we talked on the phone, I was still suffering quite a bit from the chemo brain syndrome and I really couldn't visualise ever feeling well enough to be able to go for a long walk. This attitude unfortunately, comes as part of the chemo package, the thought that this time my energy would not come back. However J managed to get me to give a firm date for Friday.
Well of course, by Friday I was feeling quite fit but the weather turned out to be dreadful... pouring with rain from the moment I got up, to the time that J was due to pick me up.
When she arrived, we decided to go ahead with the arrangement anyway and found ourselves at Blaise, a beautiful spot in Bristol, with marvellous walks and scenery. I have posted about this place before and have often visited in the school holidays with the grandchildren, sometimes with all four of them.

Obviously on Friday morning, a normal school day, there were very few people about. The rainy day probably made even less people go there than usual, though a few stoical dog walkers with dripping wet canines in tow did brave the elements.

There is a small cafe near the car park, so it seemed best to start off having a coffee in a dry place. It was good to chat and catch up on our latest happenings because neither of us normally has the time or opportunity to do that.
The rain seemed set for the day, but we decided to go for our walk anyway. Armed with umbrellas we set off, not only soaking up the rain but also soaking in the beauty of the wet trees and grass that looked new and unspoilt.
We walked along to the Mansion and then towards the river walk, passing this stone dog on our way.



We are really fortunate in Bristol to have so many lovely green spaces to walk in.
Then it started to rain really heavily and we turned and walked back to the car.
Walking in the rain with our umbrellas brought me a good deal of pleasure and I was so grateful to J for taking me there. Thank you J if you are reading this.


I would like to bring to everyones attention that this weekend, a very important person is being Roasted by my brother, Eddie Bluelights. It is none other than our old friend, David Mcmahon, the Melbourne journalist, author of several best selling novels and professional photographer, who has helped and inspired so many of us in the past. Every ones chance to learn more about him.
Please go over and see Eddie's Sunday Roast.



28 comments:

Reasons said...

So happy to hear you had such a lovely day with a cherished friend. Good for you for sticking out with the plans...keep it up, you are doing so well. xx

Jackie said...

This is a lovely place, Maggie...I'm glad to know that you felt well enough to take that walk.
What a sweet and dear friend you have to invite and encourage you to take a walk. I love the stone dog....and am always in awe of beautiful trees.
I will go to Eddies and read the roast about David. I've been looking forward to it.
Blessings on you, my friend.
Smiles from Jackie

Ayak said...

It's all too easy to put off plans because of the rain, but good for you for sticking with it. I had also made up my mind to go out today regardless of the weather, but was fortunate to have some sunshine.

Your area looks really good for walks.

xxx

Anonymous said...

Maggie,
I'm so glad you went, despite the rain, and were able to take in some of the beauty and spend time with a dear friend. That in itself can be so very healing and make a day so special.

As always, I enjoyed the photos that you posted. You always seem to capture them perfectly, it is like I am there.

I hope you keep feeling better with each passing day. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
XXXXXXX

Rose said...

This looks like a lovely place for a walk--in the rain or not. Maggie, I keep thinking that it is a reflection of the kind of person you are that you have so many kind and caring friends. What a dear friend to suggest a day out of the house doing something you enjoy. Your friends are obviously reciprocating for the kindnesses you have shown them in the past.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Lovely to hear that you were able to get out for a much needed walk Maggie. Hurrah for friends. The weather here was much milder than of late and we aren't too far from Bristol, so hope you had better temperatures too although the damp weather would have made it chilly. Anyway, you enjoyed your walk and time with your friend and felt invigorated I expect.

Liked the picture of the stone dog by the way.

I'll be popping into Eddie Bluelights later. A x

Rosaria Williams said...

Lovely day, indeed. Glad you were up to it. Isn't it lovely when friends pop up just at the right time?

Suburbia said...

I do love Blaise, there seems so much of it to walk in :)

Glad you enjoyed it.

Debbie Drews said...

Glad you were able to get out & have a nice walk with J at Blaise, even if it was raining. I so do enjoy that little cafe, the numerous times I have been there with you & the kids. It made me feel green with envy! But I don't like the rain! Glad you were able to overcome this. Good company does help to distract from the not so nice weather.
Thanks for your comments on my post.Yes there is a special number to dial which I have registered with in the past. It did make a huge difference. I think this is the first call I have had for my husband since his death. So not a huge problem. Love Debs x

Marguerite said...

So glad that you are feeling better and were able to get out for a walk in that beautiful place. A little rain wouldn't have stopped me either! And to visit with a dear friend is always nice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings, Marguerite

Jeni said...

Normally -especially at this time of the year -I don't relish rainy days at all and certainly not to walk in the rain. But then, that's because I never actually do that, as you did -prepared, with an umbrella and also, a friend.
But you know, as I thought about this, I can envision a walk as you described but for me, it would have to be a nice, warm, gentle spring rain! Not the cold, nasty, bone-chilling rains of January and February, for sure.
But how enjoyable for you and your friend to have done that and how great to hear you got out and did some of the things you love -walking, exploring, photographing too! All made a darned good post for everyone to enjoy the walk with you.
Peace.

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Maggie...this walk and talk sounded so invigorating. You described it so well I felt like I was there with you. Thank goodness for really good friends - they are worth their weight a thousandfold over! Hxx

SandyCarlson said...

I am glad you got out with a friend and were able to enjoy yourself. I admire your spirit.

Dimple said...

Hi Maggie,
I'm glad you were able to get out and didn't let the rain stop you. Being out in the air and daylight is so important!
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Dimple

Bernie said...

Oh Maggie it does my heart good to hear that you went out for a walk with your friend even though it was raining and to know you enjoyed it made me smile....Maggie you are doing so well and I am so happy to hear it, prayers are with you and Harry always.....:-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

So glad you had a lovely day out! Great photos you took too.

St Jude said...

I'm glad you were able to have your lovely walk, I have to say that I quite like walking in the rain. That is such a lovely spot too.

cheshire wife said...

Pleased to read that you are feeling well enough to go walking and in the rain too. I am not keen on walking in the rain at the best of times. Make sure you look after yourself. Don't get too cold or wet!

Brian Miller said...

how very cool. sounds like you had a wonderful trip. just the thing for you i imagine. smiles.

Wendy said...

It's the simple pleasures in life that bring happiness - a cup of coffee with a friend, a walk in the rain. How nice to feel back to normal once again.

Chic Mama said...

I'm so pleased you felt well enough to get out and enjoy your walk. I'm sure the wind blew away lots of cobwebs. I hope you feel well today. x

Eddie Bluelights said...

Yes, great place to walk.
Glad you are feeling better ~ Eddie x

PS Thanks for your support for David's Roast - I have heard he is out of the country in Asia. Hope he has not stopped to photograph a tiger!! LOL

Saz said...

Maggie, l'm so glad you felt better and had such an enjoyable walk...feeding and restoring you for round 3...
thinking of you

saz x

Anonymous said...

I don't think it matters what the weather, it you have a lovely place to go and enjoy a walk in the fresh air, then it's worth it, even if you get soaked. Can sometimes be fun too.

CJ xx

Valerie said...

I'm glad you ignored the rain and went out to enjoy the day. You will remember it as one helluva day to get well. God bless.

Indrani said...

I am glad you took the walk. :)
Have a great year ahead! (Well, it is still Jan. ;))

imbeingheldhostage said...

I'm so glad J got you out for that walk. You have truly been lblessed with some great people through this Maggie.

And David?! I'm thrilled, rushing over there now...

Nishant said...

I love the stone dog....and am always in awe of beautiful trees.

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